Air India and Tata Advanced Systems to Invest ₹2,300 Crore in Karnataka

Air India Ltd and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka, signaling an investment of ₹2,300 crore in the state's aerospace and defence domain.

Under the terms of the MoU, Air India will establish maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, commencing with Airframe Maintenance. This initiative will encompass the development of Wide-Body and Narrow-Body hangars to facilitate all checks, including heavy structural examinations, consequently generating over 1,200 skilled employment opportunities within the state.

Meanwhile, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd's investment will focus on implementing an Aircraft Modification, Conversion, Completion, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for defence purposes. Additionally, it will entail the establishment of a gun manufacturing unit, including barrel manufacturing facilities, and the initiation of research and development endeavors in the aerospace and defence sector. These ventures are anticipated to create over 450 highly skilled job opportunities in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to witness this landmark collaboration between the Tata group companies, Air India, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and the government of Karnataka. This investment not only propels Karnataka’s aerospace industry to new heights but also augments employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the state’s economic growth."

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer at Air India, lauded the initiative, emphasizing its role in enhancing self-reliance for the maintenance of Air India's fleet. Aggarwal highlighted the significance of bolstering India's aviation infrastructure by fostering the growth of the country's MRO industry.

HBL